A mum in the US has shared pictures on social media that highlight the devastating impact drug addiction has had on her son.
Jennifer Salfen-Tracy said her 26-year-old son Cody is sleeping rough on the streets of Las Vegas and described him as the 'face of meth and heroin'.
Jennifer shared two pictures of Cody taken seven months apart, illustrating how rapidly drug addiction had seen his health deteriorate.
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In a post on Facebook, she explained that she shared the pictures to raise awareness of the problem.
The full post read: "The face of heroin and meth...... is reality for so many people and families in this world today. This may be long so I apologise.
"For my family and friends who know me know that my oldest son Cody Bishop is suffering from his addiction. I am hesitant on sharing but many people ask how things are going so I feel I should share.
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"I have learned along this path that so many people and families deal with the same heartache but just do not talk about it. This is a true issue in our world today that we need to pull together and focus on to fix instead of the government worrying about and spending all their money on throwing each other under the bus.
It continues: "Update..... Cody is still homeless in Las Vegas and I have not heard from him in weeks now. Hearing how bad he is doing is hard but not hearing at all is worse. The unknown is what makes a person not sleep at night.
"It is hard to understand how someone who has families and children who love and need them live the life they do. I have turned it over to God and pray that he decides he is tired of living like this and wants to come home to get help.
"Through social media I have came along so many great people that have crossed his path over time through his past rehab. They have a great support team with each other that is amazing and I appreciate those who have reached out trying to help. I just want to say thank you to those who have talked to him and thank you for all the prayers.
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"This is not just a problem that my family faces but almost everyone knows someone who has a drug/heroin addiction. I pray for strength for those suffering and healing for their families and friends.
"FYI.... these pictures were taken 7 months apart. That is how fast someone is affected.... let's get a hold of this issue America and help each other. Thanks again for everyone's love and support. And Cody, if you see this please call us... we love you!"
Featured Image Credit: Facebook